Porto Alegre, Brazil – Heavy rains have led to devastating flooding in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, resulting in a rising death toll of at least 78 people and displacing over 115,000 individuals. In response to the crisis, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his cabinet arrived in Rio Grande do Sul to coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities.
Amid the ongoing rescue operations, volunteers have utilized boats, jet skis, and swimming to assist in reaching those stranded by the floodwaters. Fabiano Saldanha and his friends in Porto Alegre have been able to rescue approximately 50 people using jet skis, emphasizing the urgent calls for help echoing through the streets.
The state civil defense authority has reported 105 people missing, raising concerns about the potential for a significant increase in the death toll. The widespread flooding has affected over two-thirds of the state’s cities, disrupting infrastructure and displacing thousands of residents. Roads and bridges have been destroyed, and a dam at a hydroelectric plant partially collapsed, further exacerbating the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, more than 400,000 individuals are without power, and a significant portion of the state’s population is facing water shortages. In Porto Alegre, the Guaiba lake has surpassed record water levels, leading to the suspension of all flights at the international airport.
Witnesses of the devastation, such as Kaeli Moraes and Julio Manichesque in Porto Alegre and Canoas respectively, recount harrowing experiences of being rescued from their homes as the floodwaters rose to dangerous levels. The recurring nature of the flooding in the region has left residents feeling vulnerable and desperate for assistance.
In a gesture of solidarity, Pope Francis offered prayers for the people of Rio Grande do Sul during his weekly address in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The collective efforts of volunteers, local authorities, and national leaders are crucial in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the catastrophic flooding in Brazil.